We have to say “upfront” the Craft Beer scene did take a serious hit during Covid with some of the very traveller focused establishments forced to close. However, what has sprung forth and continues to grow is Craft Beer breweries and Tap rooms which the locals are embracing.
Before we get ahead of ourselves. An important fun fact. In Vietnam 95% of the alcohol consumed is BEER. So, suffice to say brews that embody local flavours and ingredients always have a good chance of local acceptance.
By the way, it’s not just about the beer! The fun, entertainment and social value is in the tasting and getting together with friends and family. That means this taste sensation is for everyone including those visitors we hope to welcome back to Vietnam very soon.
To find out more about some amazing craft breweries we discovered in Vietnam keep reading.
The Five Elements Brewing Company
This one came on our radar after we heard about the latest episode of What About Vietnam
Podcast. Kerry Newsome is the host of this show and she speaks with Gary Bett, Head brewer at Five Elements Brewing Company in Danang. At Five Elements Brewing Company it sounds like the passion for local flavours and craftsmanship hold true to Vietnamese traditions. You may be wondering how they capture the expression of the five elements in their beer? Well, they use local ingredients and flavours as inspiration. These rare and treasured herbs and spices, such as black cardamom, mac mat leaves, chilli, bitter melon, and wild forest mushrooms, will surely inspire a taste test of the most recent brew.
As of 2022, you can find Five Elements Brewing Company at three outlets, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Quảng Ngãi, these are all centrally located and easy to find. But Five Elements Brewing Company is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the booming craft beer scene in Vietnam.
Craft Beer Scenes Around Vietnam
Craft beer is exploding all over Vietnam and all those who want to partake in this exciting experience won’t have a hard time finding a great local brewery. If you’re looking for craft beer around Vietnam, these should make a great start!
Saigon
The beer scene in Saigon rivals that of any city in the U.S. and Europe, and we think they are just getting started! These brewers love to experiment with local Vietnamese flavors like passion fruit, dragon fruit, and beetroot. Some of the major players in the craft beer scene of Saigon include:
Pasteur Street Brewing Company
Brews to try at Pasteur Street: Chocolate Cyclo Stout, Jasmine IPA, Passionfruit Wheat Ale
Brews to try at Heart Of Darkness: Sinfully Good Vietnamese Pale Ale, Marlow’s Mellow Pomelo IPA, Excited Magpie Irish Stout Brews to try at TeTe Brewing: Mellow Red, Electric IPA, White Ale |  |
We had to include this brand as it has grown off the charts in recent years and today they own two well-loved and established craft beer brands, Sundowners™ Hard Seltzer, eco-friendly beWater™. Check their website for venues and stockists.
Hanoi
When visiting Hanoi, on any given night on bustling streets, you’re sure to find locals and travelers alike, sitting on tiny plastic stools sharing glasses of ‘bia hoi’, this is the capital’s famous freshly brewed draught beer (not a craft brew). The city’s vibrant beer culture is growing fast and you should get in on it! Some of the best craft breweries in Hanoi include:
Brews to try at Furbrew: Hanoi Saison, Sour Watermelon Gose, Fresh Mullberries (seasonal)
Brews to try at Turtle Lake Brewing: Mango Smoothie Session IPA, Hanoi IPA, Cold Blooded Triple Rye IPA
Brews to try at Homie Brewhouse: Hanoi IPA, Cocovu, Cam WIT
Nha Trang and Danang
The coastal cities of Nha Trang and Danang are getting in on the craft beer action, with cool locations and amazing beer concoctions. Besides, Gary Bett’s brewery, Five Elements Brewing Company there are a few other notable breweries in Nha Trang and Danang including:
Brews to try at 7 Bridges Brewery: Dragon IPA, Sunset Tangerine, Beach Blonde
Photo credit below – 7 Bridges – Danang
Brews to try at Louisiane Brewhouse: Passion Beer, Red Ale, Pilsner
No matter where you experience the craft beer scene in Vietnam you are sure to leave with a better appreciation for local Vietnamese flavours and the amazingly inventive concoctions of these breweries. Cheers!
Feeling inspired to create new and unique products that features these must-try breweries? Email us at info@itsvietnam.com today and let us help you build the best Vietnam experiences!
** Disclaimer: ITS Vietnam promotes the responsible consumption of alcohol at all times and recommends adherence to the drink driving rules of our country.**